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Wasps humble Northampton

Three tries in the first half laid an unassailable platform from which Wasps emerged winners over Northampton Saints by 24-11.

It was Wasps' first win at Franklin Gardens since 2005, and all of the damage was done before the half-way point.

The hosts showed endeavour in the second half, but it was too little too late against a powerful visiting effort.

Jimmy Gopperth kicked Wasps to an early advantage following indiscipline from Northampton, and 0-3 became 0-10 on 16 minutes when Joshua Bassett and Rob Miller combined in attack to send Dan Robson over next to the posts.

Gopperth converted and less than ten minutes later he was on target again as Miller somehow snipped over for Wasps' second try.

Stephen Myler responded with a penalty goal to get the hosts off the mark moments later, but normal service quickly resumed when Miller scythed through the gap to send Bassett over. Gopperth again added the extras, and determined defence in the minutes leading into half-time ensured it remained 3-24 at the interval.

Despite a yellow card for Wasps' Nathan Hughes early in the second half, and a brief salvo from the hosts, there was no way back into the contest for the Saints.

Myler's penalty reduced the deficit to six points, and later in the second half Sam Dickinson got over the whitewash to give the home fans faint hope of a comeback.

But JJ Hanrahan was wide with the extras and the hosts were unable to capitalise on their inroads, allowing Wasps to see out a deserved away victory.